Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma has expressed gratitude to President William Ruto for his respect and honour toward the late ODM leader Raila Odinga during his final days and in death.
In a statement on Monday, October 20, Kaluma praised Ruto for standing with the Odinga family and the entire ODM fraternity, saying the President’s conduct would not go unnoticed come 2027.
"President Ruto honoured Raila Odinga; you valued Raila Odinga and walked with him in his last days. In his death, you stood with us in words and deed. Beyond obeying Baba's direction to us, we'll appreciate you in 2027," he said.
Elsewhere, Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi declared his decision to shift his political allegiance to Ruto following Raila's death.
In a statement on Sunday, October 19, Atandi reflected on his loyalty to Raila, noting that he has been loyal to the former Prime Minister since he was born.
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"Raila Odinga taught me the politics of loyalty. I've been intensely loyal to Raila Odinga since I was born. I never crossed his path. Today, I have transferred my political loyalty to President Ruto," he stated.
Speaking during Raila's funeral, Ruto hinted at partnering with the ODM Party in the 2027 General Election to form the next government.
He said he would not stand by and watch the ODM party crumble under political divisions.
The Head of State urged politicians seeking to destabilize the party to desist.
"By the grace of God, ODM will either form the government or be part of the next government. What I cannot allow, out of respect for Raila, and I will do everything I can with God’s help, is for those who want to destroy the ODM party and go play opposition politics outside. That will not happen," he said.
ODM is currently under the leadership of Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga who was appointed as Acting Party Leader, taking over from Raila.
Kasmuel McOure is among members who have issued warning to individuals eyeing the political space left by Raila, cautioning them against attempts to inherit his leadership position.
Speaking on Saturday, October 18, he insisted that the ODM now falls under the stewardship of Senator Oburu Odinga, Raila’s elder brother.
"I am sending a stern warning to those bringing antics in the name of inheriting Raila’s position. You cannot inherit Raila’s position. ODM is now firmly under the leadership of Senator Oburu Odinga," he said.
McOure further noted that the ODM party remains strong and should continue under Oburu’s leadership for the foreseeable future.
"The ODM party will be around for the next 20 years, but now it has to be under the firm leadership of Senator Oburu Odinga. They had better convene that national delegates conference and install him. He has the best ideals for the party. He has kept us together," he added.
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